Illinois to retire Sweet Sioux Tomahawk trophy

Illinois takes another step to distance itself from Native American imagery when the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk trophy will be retired Saturday after the Illinois-Northwestern football game.

John Supinie

Illinois takes another step to distance itself from Native American imagery when the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk trophy will be retired Saturday after the Illinois-Northwestern football game.

The two schools began using a traveling trophy in 1945 to commemorate the series. Win or lose, Northwestern will take permanent control of the trophy.

"We've been in negotiations for several months with Northwestern about the trophy,'' Illinois athletic department spokesman Kent Brown said. "Saturday will be its last game, and it will remain with Northwestern. Following the new year, we'll begin discussions about a replacement.''

Illinois' board of trustees indicated earlier this year that it wanted the school to end the use of the trophy because of concerns over Native American imagery.

"Out of tremendous respect for the Native American community, the two universities have decided this would be the last year we play for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk trophy," Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips said.